The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 produced its biggest surprises yet as Morocco and Paraguay knocked out European heavyweights through penalty shootouts, while Brazil avoided an upset against Japan to book its place in the Round of 16.
With the knockout stage leaving no room for error, nerves, composure, and clinical finishing from the spot ultimately decided two of the day’s biggest encounters.
Round of 32
Morocco 1 (3)-1 (2) Netherlands
Morocco once again proved it thrives on football’s biggest stage, eliminating the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout after both sides finished level at 1-1 following extra time.
The Atlas Lions matched the Dutch throughout 120 minutes before holding their nerve from the spot, converting three penalties to the Netherlands’ two. The victory sends Morocco into another World Cup Round of 16 and further strengthens its reputation as one of international football’s most dangerous tournament teams.
Germany 1 (3)-1 (4) Paraguay
Paraguay produced one of the tournament’s biggest shocks by knocking out four-time world champions Germany in another penalty shootout thriller.
Locked at 1-1 after regulation and extra time, neither side managed to find the breakthrough before Paraguay kept its composure during the shootout, edging Germany 4-3.
The victory marks one of Paraguay’s most memorable World Cup wins and sends the South Americans into the Round of 16 at Germany’s expense.
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Round of 32
Brazil 2-1 Japan
Brazil survived a stern test from Japan to continue its pursuit of a sixth FIFA World Cup title.
The Samurai Blue pushed the South American giants throughout the contest, but Brazil’s experience ultimately made the difference as the Seleção completed a 2-1 comeback victory.
Japan threatened to force extra time, but Brazil found the decisive breakthrough late in the match to avoid becoming another knockout-stage casualty.
With two penalty shootout upsets already shaking up the bracket and Brazil narrowly escaping elimination, the Round of 32 has reinforced one thing: no favorite is safe once the FIFA World Cup enters its knockout phase.
Every remaining match now carries even greater significance as the race for the championship continues to intensify.
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